Business services optimistic about first quarter 2006

Companies in the business services sector expect a further increase in turnover and orders in the first quarter of 2006. More than 40 percent of companies in the commercial services sector expect more orders and a higher turnover in the first quarter of 2006, nearly as much as in the fourth quarter of 2005.

The economic survey of business services consists of a quarterly survey among three branches: lease companies, computer service bureaus and other business services (including temporary agencies, advertising agencies, cleaners, engineering firms, accountants and administrative services).

Approximately 39 percent of providers of business services intend to recruit personnel in the first quarter of 2006, whereas only 10 percent anticipate staff cuts. Business service providers have not been so optimistic since October 1998. In the past four quarters, this sector also expected to have to recruit new staff.

One third of business service providers expect to raise prices in the first quarter of 2006, by far the highest proportion over the last 3 years.

Opinion on orders received in business services